"Motherf—!"
"This is framing! This is a setup!"
Nick Fury, restrained by two agents, had four automatic rifles trained on him.
The once-feared Director of SHIELD now roared with indignation, a man betrayed and cornered.
His desperate struggle made Renjie chuckle.
He recalled the threats Fury had made just days ago. At this moment, Renjie couldn't help but wonder—would the former director feel shame remembering his own words?
"Renjie! You devil from hell!"
Fury bellowed, humiliated, thrashing like a rabid gorilla as the SHIELD agents forced him out.
As they passed Renjie, the agents deliberately paused, giving him the chance to savor the humiliation.
"This isn't over!"
"Renjie! I'll find your weaknesses and see you rot in jail!"
Fury's defiant threats spat through clenched teeth. He promised vengeance once freed from his predicament.
Renjie, however, remained unbothered. He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, eyes glinting with mockery as he looked at the disheveled Fury.
"Let's set aside the fact that I'm a law-abiding, model citizen," Renjie said, smirking.
"Even if you try to frame me, I have enough money to hire the best lawyers."
"I think your little wish will never come true."
As the key orchestrator of the entire event, Renjie knew Fury could not die—not yet.
If there was anything more satisfying than directly eliminating an enemy, it was seeing that enemy rage in helpless frustration, powerless to retaliate.
"Don't get cocky! Money doesn't make you above the law!"
Fury's voice, raw with anger, trembled. Never before had he felt so humiliated.
Hearing such words from the mighty SHIELD director, Renjie laughed outright.
"Sorry, but in this land, money really does let you do whatever you want."
"Though I suppose you'd never understand that feeling."
With a dismissive wave, Renjie gestured for the agents to carry Fury away.
"Renjie!"
"Justice will catch up with you sooner or later!"
Fury continued to curse, still furious. This loss wasn't his fault—it was betrayal that turned his perfect plan into a trap.
Just as Fury was about to be escorted out, a familiar figure appeared before him.
Alexander Pierce—twenty years younger, his former mentor.
Once old and frail, Pierce now radiated vitality, a smile on his face and energy that seemed boundless thanks to his enhanced body.
"Pierce! I knew it was you…"
Fury's single eye narrowed, teeth gritted.
"Sorry… Fury…" Pierce murmured, touching his now supple, youthful skin with awe.
For men of their age and power, nothing was more seductive than the chance to regain youth.
Fury couldn't help but laugh, regaining his composure.
He realized then that the high-ranking officials, parliament members, and even the presiding judge present at the military court had all been bribed by Renjie—they were all on Renjie's side.
And that group was likely far larger than he could imagine.
An investigation was necessary—into the legendary "Sun Ladder" immortality serum. Behind Renjie, there had to be a secret organization beyond their comprehension.
…
Alexander Pierce entered the bustling courtroom.
"Mr. Renjie, I sincerely apologize for the damage to your reputation caused by Nick Fury's personal vendetta," Pierce said.
"Given the current volatile international situation, we need exceptional talents like you."
"Would you consider participating in research work in New Mexico as a 'Science and Technology Advisor'?"
Unlike Fury's brash decisiveness, Pierce was a seasoned strategist, skilled in reading people and leveraging interests to win allies.
"What's worth researching in such a remote place?" Renjie feigned disinterest, replying disdainfully.
The courtroom trial had concluded, and it was time for him to leave.
As he passed the acting director, Pierce whispered:
"What if… the hammer of the Thunder God lies dormant there?"
Renjie paused.
"Young man, learn to seize opportunities…" Pierce continued, "There are things in the universe that remain unseen. Like… legendary gods."
He placed a dossier in Renjie's hands. Inside were not only detailed records but also signed authorizations and identification credentials.
"Do your work well…" Pierce smiled in admiration.
It was their first meeting, yet Renjie's brilliance far exceeded Pierce's expectations.
No one could be a better "heir" than him.